Question 1

What should a custom website cost?

Accepted Answer

For a small business, a genuinely custom, well-built site typically runs from a few thousand into the low five figures, depending on scope. The guide explains what drives the number so you can judge a quote — and why the cheapest option often costs more once you factor in redoing it.

Question 2

How is a custom site different from a template?

Accepted Answer

A template is a pre-made layout you pour content into; a custom site is designed around your business, your customers, and how they decide. Templates are faster and cheaper up front but harder to make distinctive, fast, or truly yours. The guide gives you the questions that surface which one you're actually being sold.

Question 3

Do I need to be technical to use this guide?

Accepted Answer

No. Every question comes with what a good answer sounds like and why it matters, in plain language. You can ask all 24 without understanding the technology behind them — that's the point.

Question 4

What are the biggest red flags when hiring?

Accepted Answer

No portfolio of real, custom work; vagueness about who owns the code and domain; no mention of performance or SEO; and pressure to sign before you've had your questions answered. The guide covers how to read these and more.

How to Hire a Web Designer

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